Nuku'alofa · TO

War Memorial

Tonga's War Memorial is a cenotaph honoring the small Pacific kingdom's servicemen who fought and died in both World Wars. Commissioned by Queen Sālote in 1923, it commemorates 53 soldiers from World War I and seven from World War II, reflecting Tonga's remarkable contribution from a nation of fewer than 100,000 people. The memorial has a turbulent modern history: it was demolished in 2015 during construction of St. George's Palace at Pangai Si'i, sparking national outrage and a legal controversy over heritage protection. A rebuilt cenotaph — now featuring a solitary soldier figure — stands near the seafront at the Mala'e Pangai grounds, facing the National Flag post.